CHAPTER XVII.
When Walpurga came out to Hansei, he asked:
"Shall I go in, too?"
"No, we're ready."
"I think I ought to go to the king and queen. I've got a good deal to say to them."
"No; that won't do at all."
"Why not? I know how to talk to them."
He had frequently rehearsed what he intended to say to the king and queen. He would let them know that he deserved something more for giving up his wife for so long a time.
Walpurga found it difficult to make him understand that it would not do to press the matter. Hansei was not inclined to give up the point, and was, moreover, ashamed of confessing to the innkeeper that he had not sat at the same table with their majesties, and that he had not even seen them.
Walpurga, who herself needed support, was now obliged to make a double effort in order to pacify Hansei, who threatened to become rude and troublesome.